Develop a preflight checklist. Go through it step by step EXACTLY the same way every time. You should check to make sure all nuts, bolts and screws are tight before every flight, no more than every few flights.

I also have a routine that I follow from the time I turn off the truck, to the time I start the engine on my plane. I take out and assemble the plane the same way, in the same order, and then check the same things before I fly, every time. It sounds like a pain and a little anal but it can sure save you a lot of heartache. Even at that bad things can happen but it will help to prevent things like what happened to you. Its really easy to get to having fun and forget to maintain your plane, transmitter and batteries on a good day. Try to go over the plane at least every couple of flights and make sure everything is nice and tight and in its place.

Another thing that can mess you up is onlookers. While assembling and preparing my plane to fly I excuse myself politely and explain that I need to finish my routine.. If for some reason I need to stop and talk or help someone.... I start over at step one.